How to Explain a Past Job Termination on a Resume, Application, and Interview

David has over 10 years supervisory experience and has extensive knowledge in how to handle personnel issues across many areas.

Explaining a job termination can be the most difficult thing when filling out a job application. | Source

How to Explain Being Fired

There is one question that most job applicants fear when they are filling out a job application or going in for a job interview:

Were you ever terminated from a job and why?

This is a difficult question to answer. The obvious answer is to be truthful about it, but in some cases that can cost you the job you are applying for. So how do you explain a past job termination on an application? Should you divulge why you were fired from a previous job? This article will cover exactly what you should do on you resume, application, and interview. There are different things to do at different steps, so it's best to be prepared for all circumstances.

There's nothing wrong with being fired.

— Ted Turner

Have you ever been fired from a job?

My Experience Being Terminated from a Job

I was terminated from a job during my probationary period. In fact, I was just a week shy of passing my probation. When I am asked to explain a past job termination on an application, I always state that, "I was terminated from Pacific Bell (now AT&T) during my probationary period for failing to meet their selling standards."

This is a true statement. I worked at a call center as a customer service representative. People would call in with issues about their phone service and we were expected to sell them products. We didn't have quotas, but we had goals. I had the second highest number of calls in our call center, which a new employee shouldn't have. I should have had just one call per hour, trying to sell all the products I could, multiple times. But I was not a good salesman, so if someone immediately said no, I would finish the call quickly.

So, I was let go. My resume doesn't state why I was fired, but if it's asked on an application, I am straight forward about it. This hasn't prevented me from landing other jobs. I have even earned promotions despite my employer knowing I was terminated from a job.

A Resume Example

There is no need to explain why you were terminated on your resume. People have gaps in their work history for a variety of reasons. | Source

Just because you were fired from a job doesn't mean you should put it on your resume. | Source

Explaining a Past Job Termination on Your Resume

This is an easy one, but I will still outline what should be on your resume when you explain the job you were terminated from. On your resume, you should include:

The company name.

Your title.

The time period you worked there.

Your job duties.

See how it wasn't mentioned that you were terminated? You should not include that you were terminated from that job on your resume. Your resume showcases the best things about your work history. Stating that you were fired from a job will result in the prospective employer to throw your resume away without giving you a chance.

An Online Job Application

An online application that asks the prospective employee if they have ever been terminated from a job. | Source

Explaining a Past Job Termination on Your Job Application

There are three ways you can explain why you were fired from a job when filling out your job application:

Hide the fact that you were fired. Basically, this is lying. If you are caught, you have guaranteed that you won't get the position. With the internet, background services, etc. your prospective employer will find out that you were fired from a job. Even if you get the job, you risk getting fired in the future and jeopardize obtaining other jobs because of this. I do not recommend this.

Explain in detail why you were fired. While this one can be better than not stating it at all, I wouldn't recommend this one either. Giving away too many details can look bad because when the prospective employer reads the application, they have no way to ask you follow up questions at that time and it may seem like you are trying to find excuses why you were terminated.

Briefly explain why you were let go. This is the way I go. Explain why you were terminated with brief details. Don't divulge too much information but don't ignore important facts either. Be concise when revealing about your past job termination. This will give your possible future employer a good enough explanation, without having the need to focus on it.

What if you are not asked about a past job termination on a job application?

If your application doesn't ask why you were fired from a job, then don't reveal that information! It's up to the employer to ask that information, so don't feel like you have to be forthcoming with that it. But be prepared to be asked that question during the interview.

How to Avoid Using the Word "Terminated" in a Job Interview

Even if you don't agree with it, you should accept full responsibility for your job termination when asked about it during an interview. | Source

Explaining a Past Job Termination on a Job Interview

If you are fortunate enough to land an interview, here are some tips to remember when explaining why you were terminated from a job:

Be honest about why you were fired. If your interviewer is asking about it, they will want to know the details. Don't hide anything at this point.

Don't insert any opinions or feelings as to why you were fired. Don't state, "I feel I was fired because..." or "They didn't like me." Just stick to the facts.

Don't insult your previous employer. This will only give those interviewing you a bad opinion about you. Don't state, "They were a bad company" or "I was just too good for them". Keep your opinion about your previous employer out of it. If you talk bad about a previous organization, they will wonder if you will talk bad about them if they were to hire you.

If possible, explain what corrective actions you took and what you learned from being fired. If you went back to school that helped you gain more knowledge, bring that up. If you held another job that was in the same field as the one you were terminated from, then state that. Employers want to hear you learned from the experience. That can be impressive enough to get you the job.

Has being fired from a job ever prevented you from getting another job?

What NOT To Do

I once interviewed a person who was explaining why she was fired from a job. She stated she was late often, so they had to let her go. She stated it was still a problem for her that she was trying to resolve.

This was during a panel interview, and the entire panel voted against her because of this one reason.

What was her mistake? She stated she was still trying to resolve the issue. Instead, she should have stated she had taken steps to fix the problem. Trying to resolve a problem doesn't go far, it sounds like nothing has happened at all. That instantly disqualified her.

Don't make this same mistake!

If you have any tips on explaining a job termination on an application, please share them in the comments below.

Questions & Answers

Questions must be on-topic, written with proper grammar usage, and understandable to a wide audience.

Question:

I was terminated due to addiction. I was repeatedly let go and hired back, as he loved my work and was wanting to work with me. However, things got to the point where he couldn't take the risk anymore. Since losing the job, I have successfully completed rehab, and currently, have nine months of clean living. How much should I disclose if asked? Are personal issues specific enough or is it too vague? Also, can I get away with saying it was a mutual decision?

Answer:

Your addiction is a medical condition, which you don't necessarily have to disclose. Now if you had arrests, convictions, etc., they may put two and two together. However, you can state you had a medical condition which caused you to lose your job, but, you have rectified that condition, and it will no longer be an issue.

I have two jobs at the same time. I was let go from one of the jobs. Do I have to tell my other employer about it?

Answer:

Good question. Unless it affects what you do at your current job (like if you lost a license or certification for something, for example), I'd say no.

Now they may do a background check on you randomly to see if anything new has come up, so you may have to prepare for that. Plus, word gets around. You may have to explain yourself, if asked. If you are up for a promotion, you may also have to divulge that information.

However, if it won't affect your current job, then I don't see why you'd have to tell your other employer.

I was told I fell asleep in a 6 1/2 hour meeting. My eyelids where heavy but I couldn’t leave the meeting. How do I handle this?

Answer:

Ouch, that's a long meeting.

First off, you can fall asleep without realizing it, even for a brief moment. On your application you can state you were terminated due to improper protocols during a meeting. Then you can explain yourself in an interview. You can state the meeting was six and a half hours and you became tired. You regret it and know how to properly prepare yourself for any future long meetings, ensure to get enough sleep, etc.

Which do you think would be seen in the most ‘positive’ light when asked on an application the reason for leaving my last role - ‘termination’ or ‘group dismissal’? I was one of 3 people fired for theft as they could not identify the perpetrator.

Answer:

Either way, you'll have to explain yourself in the interview. Group dismissal is technically correct, but it's vague. If I saw that, I would question what it was. Were you laid off? Why was it a group dismissal? It leaves too many open-ended questions.

You can state termination for violating policy, which is technically correct since theft is against all employer's policy. Then in the interview, you can indicate that you and two others were terminated due to possible theft. You can say you did not steal anything, but you can't prove it either way. It's up to the interviewer to determine what is right and what isn't.

I was fired for not following the rules, as I did not clean up after myself. How do I explain why I left the company to a new employer during an interview?

Answer:

You simply state you failed to follow procedure. Then, in a job interview, state that you did not clean up appropriately. You understand and accept why you were let go, and will ensure it won't happen again in the future.

I was fired due to "perceived" poor performance, however, never in employment history has this been the case. How do I explain this since I will be applying for the same type of position I was released from?

Answer:

Instead of focusing or blaming others, even if that's the case, focus on what you have done to improve. State you learned why you were terminated and made efforts to rectify the situation so it won't happen again.

If you throw blame to what others saw in you, even if it's correct, you won't be hired because any employer will think you don't own up to your actions.

I didn't add a job to my resume because it is irrelevant to the position I'm applying for, plus it was from eleven years ago. I was fired from that job for being short on a register. Should I tell them about it?

Answer:

That depends. Does it look like you have a gap of employment in your work history? Then yes, you should. Otherwise, it will look like you are covering it up.

However, if it doesn't appear as if there is a gap in your work history and they don't ask about it, you don't have to give up those details. You risk them finding out later, but, it's on them to inquire about your work history.

I was terminated officially because of "a change in operations." I was burnt out, did not conceal it, and was frustrated with the state of my career. When I am asked, what does "change in operations" mean, how do I answer?

Answer:

You simply state it as that. That the business took things in a different direction and your position was no longer needed.

You don't need to mention the rest. A lot of people express burn out and frustration with their career. If anything, in the interview you can state you felt it was a positive change for you as it allowed you to explore other aspects of your career.

I was terminated for not ordering enough products into my grocery stores. This happened twice in four months. One verbal warning, one written warning, then termination. How do I handle this in an interview?

Answer:

Well, what did you learn from that experience? Did you learn how much to order, when to ask about it when you are unsure, etc.? That's what is important. Admit to what happened, that you failed to order enough products, but then explain you learned how to handle it in the future. How to adjust, when to ask for clarification, etc.

I was terminated from a primary care medical office due to patient complaints. How do I handle this on a job application?

Answer:

Without knowing more detail, it's hard to say. But were the complaints true? Did you do something to cause the complaints? Have you resolved those issues?

State what you asked in this question - you were terminated due to patient complaints. However, that doesn't mean you'll lose out on an interview. Some may pass you over, and some may not. You'll have to explain the complaints and what you have done to resolve the issue so it won't happen again.

I was terminated because I missed too many days because of health issues. How do I handle this on an application?

Answer:

You should state, "I missed work due to a medical issue, which has been resolved." That's assuming it's no longer an issue.

Depending on your location you don't have to state what the condition was unless you wish to (I don't recommend it). But if it's been corrected, you can state it has, and it won't be an issue in the future.

When I was released from my job, I had to sign a confidentiality agreement to obtain severance pay. What can I say about my last job to an interviewer?

Answer:

I assume your company had you sign a confidentiality agreement so that you wouldn't release trade secrets. You can still state why you were let go, what your job duties were, etc., but you have to be general when you say it. If you were let go due to policy violations, state that but don't give specifics that would allude to a practice. Or, if talking about your job duties, use general terms used in your industry.

Don't use that confidentiality agreement to fall back on so you don't have to answer any questions. Do you have a copy of it? If so, you may want to have it handy so you know what you can and can't say.

I was terminated with the explanation that "the company is going in a different direction." I was not the only one to be terminated that day. They have since hired someone in my same position. I was there for 7+ years, always got a great review, salary increases, and bonuses. How do I explain the reason why I was let go to potential employers?

Answer:

You have your reason right there--the company was going in a different direction. Don't state the rest of it how someone else was hired for your position, no one else was let go, etc. They don't need to know that, and it's not relevant.

Companies go in different directions all the time, even if it's just with one employee. The reason should be sufficient. If you have copies of your recent reviews, you can demonstrate that you did work well with the company until they decided to go a different direction.

I was terminated from my job for political reasons. I was pushing for change. I didn't realize that my boss was afraid of looking bad because a change was needed, so she fired me. How do I explain this to future employers, or why I left the company on an application? I haven't worked since leaving that position. I have been asked by the company to return, but I chose not to. Should I share this with prospective employers as well?

Answer:

I wouldn't use the word "political" if you do discuss your termination. It's a negative word that will make you look bad. What was the official reason you were let go? State that or state you weren't given a reason. However, you were offered to come back, but you choose not to as you felt it wouldn't be the best working environment for you.

I was fired when I called in sick. How should I state that when potential employers ask?

Answer:

Why did you call in sick? Do you expect it to happen again? That's what you have to address. You should say, "I missed work due to a medical issue, which has been resolved." This explains that it's no longer an issue.

Depending on your location you don't have to state what the condition was unless you wish to (I don't recommend it). But if it's been corrected, you can state it has, and it won't be an issue in the future.

I was fired from a fast food restaurant due to "stealing product and inappropriate customer service". That is how it was written up. It was over fifteen years ago. I was young and immature. How do I word this, as it doesn't paint a good picture?

Answer:

The good thing is that it was a long time ago. It should impact your work history very little. However, you can state it exactly as that. Then in any job interview that you were immature and you own up to what happened. You learned from it and plan to do nothing like that ever again.

Comments

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AUTHOR

David Livermore

2 hours agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You can simply state, "I was terminated due to attendance issues, which have now been resolved".

Then in any interviews go over what happened and what you have done to resolve those issues. Show you made the effort to resolve them. Focus that the issues are resolved and you don't plan to have those issues again.

Katie K

5 hours ago

Hi,

I am was let go from a job for not having my badge on me and missing to many times punches along with to many days missed due to sick kids and no family around to help. It has been resolved but I am not sure how to say it in my application for a job. PLEASE HELP

AUTHOR

David Livermore

4 days agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

It's a hard situation. If you state all of this and your former boss denies it, then it will look bad for you, even if you are in the right.

You need to state why you were terminated, but also state you had a difficult working relationship with the last boss, and you felt it was for the best you were let go anyways. Then state you always try to meet deadlines, and learned what you need to do in any future situations that may be like this.

A

5 days ago

Hi David,

I was let go a few weeks ago. I have never been let go from a job before. I worked for my previous company for 14 years. My current boss was so difficult to work for and was not consistent with his leadership and lacked integrity. A week prior he sat in my office and told me that I was doing a great job a week later he lets me go because he stated the data base was backed up. I was not given the opportunity to focus solely on these leads nor was I given any plan of correction or write up. I was simply let go. A couple days later he puts his friend in my position. I had many residents and family members who were angry about the situation and volunteered to write letters of recommendation. I met quotas set forth by my regional and I was ahead of the expectation to fill the building. I do not know what to put on my application. I don't want to lie, I was let go but I don't even know how to begin to explain it. I am a positive person and want to take the high road but I need help on what write on job applications or say at interviews.

Thank you so much!

AUTHOR

David Livermore

3 weeks agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

There could have been many reasons why you didn't get that job. I would continue to be honest. However, is this always illegal, or just a reason that someone can be fired? If so, you can state you violated company policy and go in more detail in an interview. Or, you can keep it as is. It doesn't seem like a big deal to discuss salary, and any employer should know that. Just assure any future employers you won't do it again.

Carol

3 weeks ago

Hi Dave,

I was fired for discussing salary with a fellow employee. (Illegal in CT). Not filing suit. How do I explain this in an interview or on a job application. I applied for a job was honest on the application never heard from them and my references were never called. Thank you.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

3 weeks agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

On applications you can state you violated company policy. In interviews you can state what happened in regards to the sales report. You know it was a bad mistake to make and you learned from that mistake.

I would try to avoid using the word "fraud" if you can. Don't lie, but when using a word like that, it can guarantee you not getting a job.

JG99

3 weeks ago

Hey David,

I would appreciate some help. I was let go recently for Violating Company Policy. In more detail for fraud in regards to call reports (I worked in sales). It was a stupid mistake and now unfortunately have to find a new job. Was hoping you can help me out with what to say...

AUTHOR

David Livermore

6 weeks agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

I had a job just like that. I stated on my application that I failed to meet the employment standards, which you can put as well.

Then in an interview, you can state it was a job that required a quota, which you were unable to meet. Then you want to state what you learned from the experience and what you would do differently. Did you learn something new from it? How would you approach a job like that in the future? That's what you need to address.

The quota doesn't matter as much as being able to do the job behind the quota. If it's similar type of work, you need to address what you would do differently.

bkyle44

6 weeks ago

I was let go from a entry level inside sales job yesterday for not hitting my quota. I worked for the company for 13 months and hit my quota a few times but not consistently. It was my first real job out of collage as I am only 24. It was a very tough job don't get me wrong but I also wasn't coming close to the numbers. I wasn't however selling anything, I was setting up appointments cold for a director that would try to sign companies our service.

How do I properly set myself up for another job that requires me to hit a quota when I was let go from my only job with quota?

What could I be expecting in terms of interview questions?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

7 weeks agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Problem with a family owned business is that they can and will make you do basically anything. It was 17 years ago, and it's probably been way too long for anyone to care about it (unless it was your last job).

I'd state you failed to follow directions. Then, in an interview, explain the situation. Don't place blame on the owner, just state you didn't realize that was something you should have done.

suzu

7 weeks ago

I was fired for not running a personal errand for the owner’s mother with my own vehicle while the owner was out of the country. How do I state that? Also, it was 17 years ago.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

7 weeks agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

That due to the inappropriate actions of your entire team, you were dismissed from you and your entire team were dismissed from your job.

In an interview, you can go into details about what happened and why everyone was let go, including you. Then state what you would do differently in the future and what you learned from it.

shiso

8 weeks ago

Hi David. I was fairly recently terminated for the intentional and inappropriate actions taken by a member of my team that jeopardized a client relationship. I owned the team and even though my actions and directives were true and sound, everyone involved was let go. I understand I cannot say negative things about my former employer, but what is the best way to outline my termination?

Thank you.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

2 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Yup, I would go with that. That's the information given to you by your employer. Don't go with what the state gave you - who knows how that could be wrong.

Tim

2 months ago

Hi,

I was first suspended then terminated. I was reported by one of my supervisees to HR for having an alleged relationship with another of my employees. HR investigated and terminated both of us but did not provide us with any results of their investigation nor were we allowed to present our case. The termination latter came in mail and simply stated a violation of a company policy. I have over 20 years of spotless career with zero complaints. I did learn later that the employer gave the following reasons to the state (for unemployment approval) for my termination: providing preferential treatment, creating a hostile environment and time card mismanagement. I was never told any of this or provided an opportunity to defend myself. Do I state I was terminated for cause - a violation of company policy?

Thanks

AUTHOR

David Livermore

2 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Well, typically you don't put on a CV why you left a job. So that's usually not the issue.

If you were on probation, you can state you were let go during probation. You didn't state why you were officially let go. Saying things like, "you weren't liked" or "set up for failure" won't make you look good. What reason did they give you?

Zan

2 months ago

Hi. I was terminated a few about 2 months after being on a performance review for 6 months. The managers I reported to didn't like me much. I was set up for failure from the very beginning. I saw the signs and was fighting a losing battle. I never expected to lose the job just like that. Anyway, I fought the case at conciliation and the company subsequently compensated me. My challenge is what to exactly write as a reason for leaving on CV. Thanks

AUTHOR

David Livermore

2 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

It's a bad situation you got yourself in.

You can state it was for the move, but if your previous boss doesn't confirm that, then you won't get the job. But, if you give the real reason and the boss says it was for the move, then you cost yourself a job.

I can't answer this for you to be honest. If it was me, I would be honest why I was fired, and state it would never happen again. You knew it was a stupid choice and you won't ever do it again knowing what it cost you and how you felt afterwards.

Bela

2 months ago

Hi, I worked in the same company fro 12 years. Last year I decided foolishly to pay my credit card through their bank account. Honestly my thought was I will pay it back before the accountant comes in January, I never did. We have an external accountant that does our books. Then, I wanted to tell my boss, the owner, but never had the courage. Long story short, I got fired in January. I paid it back the following week, boss and I are talking to each other. I started working with someone I know, he just asked me to work for his company when he knew I wasn't working, no questions asked. My plan was to move to the other side of the country and start a new life. My previous boss agreed that he would confirm that the reason for leaving was the move. I'm still here and need to apply for a second job. I don't know how to fill 'the reason for leaving" on the application and I'm more concern on how to tell my current employer since I feel like I need to tell him.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

2 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Well I don't have specifics, which is good since you don't want to share if it involved patients.

On a resume you don't need to state why you were dismissed, just the time you worked, so you are okay there.

For any applications, if you need to state it, you need to state it was due to improper procedure or some generic reason why you were terminated.

In an interview you need to briefly explain the situation and what you learned from it so it won't happen again. Don't place blame or play the victim, even if you are. You won't look good in that case.

Vivian Cubine

2 months ago

I have worked in the Health Care field as an EMT for the last 8 yr.s . I am a veteran and a trained medic. I accepted a position at new a hospital ER 11 months ago. I have never had any problems with my care for any patient for 8 yrs. I have always taken care of patients as per hospital protocol and my personal compassion to the patients. I have worked at 2 hospitals in 8 yrs and have never had a bad review or anything negative put in my personnel file. I was fired from the second hospital 3 days ago for a totally unjustified reason. I asked HR what the appeal process was because I know I did nothing wrong and so do others. I was told there is no appeal process There were 4 of us involved in the situation and I was the only one fired. I am concerned with what to put on my resume. The unjustified firing not only effects my employment now but possibly never working in an ER again. It is also questioning my character. In fact yesterday the ER was calling me to come in because some one called in sick again. The staff know I am a team player, never call in sick and dedicated to my profession. The staff in ER was shocked when I told them I dont work there any longer because I was fired. My character, honesty and loyalty to my career are important to me as an individual. I feel I was the sacrificial lamb and I cant appeal anything to protect my good name and character so I can continue to work in a hospital ER. I need help on how to handle this unjustifiable firing on my resume or if asked in an interview so I can continue working in my chosen field of helping others.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

2 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

It was just a few weeks so you shouldn't sweat it. State there was a disagreement between you and a senior staff member, which resulted in you being let go. Then in an interview state there was a misunderstanding between you and that coworker, and it had to do with the tone of your voice. You recognized the issue and it won't happen again.

Anonymous

2 months ago

I was recently fired after only a few weeks of working at this place because another staff member (who had worked there for a longtime) made a formal complaint that they did not like the way i spoke to them and said they felt like I was talking down on them, however this was not my intention and I felt like my tone of voice would help to portray that but the staff member didn't let me know that they felt I was rude so I could apologise. Any suggestions on what to say? Preferably for applying on an online application in the section where it asks my reason for leaving a job and how would you suggest I word this in an interview. Thank you in advance.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

3 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

That's a tough one. You can state you did not follow the right procedure when changing a diaper. Then in interviews, explain the situation and state what you would do differently from now on.

Jasmine Alexander

3 months ago

I work at a Day care. A baby was squirming a lot while changing his diaper. I accidentally somehow the rash cream got on his lips careless to see it on his lips. I'm truly embarrassed to write this. I got terminated for that situation. How do I state the reason for my termination. This could hurt my whole career. For lack of supervision and carelessness.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

3 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Describe the incident. State what happened and unfortunately it was perceived as a treat. Keep that brief, but follow-up with a positive. Explain what you learned from that incident - like what actions could you have done different, how you would handle it differently in the future, etc.

Explain it, but end with the good. Make that the last thing they hear.

CarelessSmile

3 months ago

I was fired after eight years of exemplary employment due to "behavior". Specifically for a supposed "threat" to my supervisor. The incident was completely taken out of context and though I truly believe that the manager who pursued my termination wanted me out because he didn't like me... I know that I can't use that because of the perception it gives possible employers.

How do I address this "threat" with the reason I was terminated when asked why? I don't even break spider webs on my balcony! I know that my previous employer only confirms employment and dates, but I am worried that any description of the the event will pose a threat to my ability to be hired.

Thank you in advance!

AUTHOR

David Livermore

3 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You were terminated during probation which is a good thing actually. That happens all the time and gives you a clean break.

The thing is you need to own up to any issues that you may have been the cause of. You can state that your employer felt that your abilities were not a right fit for the organization, so they let you go. They gave you feedback and you have learned what areas you need to improve on for your next position.

Jeremy

3 months ago

When I was fired during my probation period the reason given by my employer was that they had "lost confidence in my abilities". A couple of things led up to this including a steering meeting I ran then went badly one day (i.e. having to deliver bad news about a project being late), my manager also said I wasn't listening to feedback that was being given to me by project sponsors. This happened even though in the days and weeks leading up to the tough meeting I had I was given much positive feedback (from the same people that fired me).

Whilst there may have been some slight truth in the feedback given I believe that the main reasons I was let go were to do with politics, and my direct manager feeling threatened by gravitas and experience, both of which were positively commented on by other managers.

Do you have any advice on how I could explain this situation to potential new employers?

Thanks

AUTHOR

David Livermore

3 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

That's tough. You need to own up to it and acknowledge your mistake. State you learned from the experience and will follow the right protocol in the future.

Keep in mind ethics in things like this. State you'll always do what is ethical and own up to it if a mistake is made.

Singlemomma15

3 months ago

I was termanted they said due to falesafiing document, i worked as a Certified allergy specialist and my providers had asked me\ told me to date there there forms they signed for me. I had to make a case for a formulation and spoke to provider and had her sign then she dated that one. The next day my company wanted the codes added provider was not there that day so i went to main provider and spoke to her about codes to add and she told me the codes to use. I made a copy of the form the other provider signed and added codes other provider told me to use and changed date to that day since i spoke to the provider. I then scanned it in to the system and they sent it to complaince. I panicked and typed back to complaince that providers pen went out and i would have her resign a new one and redate and add codes again. I went back to orginal provider and had her resign and date and add codes . then uploaded forms back in. Got the reformulation and made the allergy shots and heard nothing about it. Till a new manager came in and got to nit picking and some what harrsssing me about the issue. She kept saying to me you sure thats what happened, didnt you do this or this and at this point it had been 2 weeks since the incident happened, so i could not remember Everything and i have high anxiety so when asked i had a anxiety attack because of the way she approached me. It was sent to complaince team in my company. 5 days later i was terminated after working a full day and after office hours on my personal cell phone. How do i approach this in a interview when asked? I know i should not have made a story up to get out of it and i have learned to never do that and be honest always when making a mistake.also to never date providers forms. Im not hr only one in that office that dates for providers and fills in missing things. Previous managers i have told about it said they had to do it when they worked in their clinics and just to keep it on down low because not everyone can do it.

Finn Liam Cooper

4 months agofrom Los Angeles

Nice article. some good points and very straightforward.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

4 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Nope, you were laid off.

James

4 months ago

My plant closed down, does that count as termination?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

4 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You need to own up to it. On applications you can state, "I was terminated due to attendance issues, which have now been resolved". Then, when you get a job interview, you can go into more detail.

Tylor

4 months ago

I just wanna know, the last time i was working it was 2012, my cotract was for 6 months. I wasn't a person who had clear vision of the jon is important basically id sometimes not go to work for 6 days or so even more but now i realise that there was something wrong with me and they terminated my contract on that 6 months so since then i cant be able to get a job even because my reference will be bad. what should i so please help. im ready to start my future

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Well you can't answer yes and state you were bullied into resigning, that won't look good at all. If they weren't going to fire you, but they pressured you to leave for one reason or another, then you can answer no.

But they could contact the previous employer and find out why you resigned, so you would need to be prepared for that eventuality.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You will need to change it, but not until you are let go or if you quit. As long as you are suspended, you are still employed.

Mike Brumley

5 months ago

Ive already got some resumes typed up and printed out just recently, with this job im at,being suspended with possible termination, will i have to change my start and end date? The way ive got my resume now is for this job im at is March 2012 - Present. Will i need to change this if i get terminated? Thank you for your help

Mike Brumley

5 months ago

I think this is great site. Id like to thank David Livermore for his helpful information.

Nancy

5 months ago

I recently received a verbal job offer after 4 rounds of interviews and 5 "glowing" references. Next steps are to submit an actual job application form, and there will be a background check. My worry is about a previous job, 9 years ago, when I was pressured to resign by a bully department head. I wanted to leave anyway because the workplace had become so toxic, and I did have other options, so I resigned. However the new job application asks whether I've ever been fired or asked to resign. It's a Y/N question, and for Y answers the form says "please explain." How do you recommend answering?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You will state you lacked proper communication and will ensure to properly communicate with your supervisor in the future. Own up to your mistake and show you learned from it.

Mike Brumley

5 months ago

Hi i just got suspended with possible termination. The reason was i gestured torward my supervisor that i needed off by 230pmest. I clocked out at 232est. I had to pickup my son. If terminated, how will i address this? I guess i should have opened my mouth more. Ive never had any complaints, and super attendance there. Thank you.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

State you violated policy. Data protection is a big thing, and you knew you were wrong. You will state that too. State you knew it was the wrong thing to do but you were trying to do your job. Explain how you now know it was the wrong thing to do and will properly access the data in the future.

Leave your boss out of it. If you state your boss was incompetent, that won't look favorably towards you.

Alphonse

5 months ago

Hi,

I'd really appreciate your advice on this. I was termimated from my job because I got some data for doing bank recon from my supervisor's comp without permission. This data was for our job together but not for anything else. She reported me for that act and the company code states its one strike policy so i got laid off. I knew i was wrong and i shouldnt have done that but i thought i shouldve gotten a warning at the most. How do i explain this to my future employers? I was asked to come back too but i thought it wouldnt be a great environment. There was great politics too as my boss didnt seem to know what she was doing for the most part. I was closing month after month after so many months behind.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

If you check "no", then they will probably still make contact and may wonder why you checked no. If you check "yes", despite being terminated, you show you have nothing to hide and ready to explain any situation that comes up.

It's a risk either way, but your best bet is to check "yes".

Adrian

5 months ago

Yes, I was hired on as a permanent employee and had a 12-month probationary period. Those, in fact, were their exact words, It wasn't working out. I know there were other things and the supervisor and I butted heads but there's no need to go into any of that detail with a potential future employer. As for checking yes or no to allowing them to contact this employer, should I put yes or no? I honestly don't know what kind of things the supervisor would say. He was younger than me and shockingly immature. Would it be worse to check No, don't contact or check Yes and chance him spewing word vomit?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You explained it perfectly actually. It was your responsibility. That's what you learned from that experience and will ensure something is done if it's your responsibility, even if someone else says they will do it for you. I think your explanation is perfect.

Were you on some sort of probation before you became permanent? If so, you can state you were terminated during probation as the city felt it wasn't working out, if that was their exact words. Then during the interview you can elaborate on that with the explanation you gave me.

Adrian

5 months ago

I was let go from my job with the City, and told: "it wasn't working out."

I've been there for 3 months and had been written up for mixing up my weekend schedule, another time for taking a fellow employees word for it when he said he would lock up the storage shed in our maintenance yard, and then he forgot to. How can I explain this on an application when asked have I ever been fired? Also what would be the best way to phrase that I've learned from these experiences and understand the importance of accountability in regards to double checking my weekly schedule, and making sure to follow through with every task from start to end, including securing our property, because at the end of the day im the person who was delegated the responsibility.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

So you basically tried to cover up or change a "D" to a "B", like in school. Not good.

On a job application, state you were terminated due to improper practices. Then, in a job interview, state you were given the 90% standard and you were at a 85%. You were directed by someone "higher up" (if it's a boss, say so, but if it's a coworker, I wouldn't state that), that you could withhold those. It was discovered and you were terminated. But, you need to state you realized it was wrong and won't do it again in the future, even if it means you would be disciplined. You'd rather resolve the issue with discipline and learn from it instead of trying to cover up the mistake and not learn anything at all.

Angela

5 months ago

In my previous job. Your performance was based on how many good surveys you’ve received from customers. My surveys were at a 85% but you had to have a 90% or you would get written or be demoted to a customer (termination). Because most of the surveys you would receive were about the experience they had one of the stores and had nothing to do with the customer service you provided over the phone. So Someone from a higher position gave me advice to not send the survey or to change a symbol so the customer wouldn’t receive the survey and only send it to the customers who would give good feedback. So I did that for a couple of weeks, and was called to the office due to doing that. And I was terminated do to survey fraud. So what should be my answer

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

That really isn't enough details to give you a good, cohesive answer. What kind of fraud? By you or someone else? What have you done to prevent it in the future?

Those are questions you need to prepare for and address in any job interview.

Angela

5 months ago

I was fired due to survey fraud. What should my answer be

AUTHOR

David Livermore

5 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Doesn't matter how well you were liked or the kind or reputation you had, we all have to do the basics to keep our job.

You need to own up to it, then prove that you are caught up on all of the requirements and make a commitment to keep doing so in the future.

Robert Manduca

5 months ago

I was "released" from a job which was my secondary job because I was late to provide some health clearance and routine courses needed for yearly compliance. I had been on that job before full time for about 16 years without any issue before. I want to return to that company but now I am afraid of that record on my file. I had a excellent reputation there but the manager that released me did not know me much and 4 years have passed now.

Crazy

6 months ago

Only time I was ever fired it was more of a easy letdown. Working retail was a paycheck while I was waiting for a position in my field. Worked September through February, the Christmas rush. In January I was told that they were letting me go next month, I was a good stocker who had to pull double duty when one of the cashiers quit but I wasn't a lifer in that industry and corporate knew it. So they got me to train a replacement and showed me the door. Then came a couple months unemployement, another ill-suited job and finally landing a position I waiting for and like (most days). That was 5 years ago but I'm still glad I worked retail, gives you a new perspective on things and made me much nicer to those people that do but gave me a seething dislike for just about everyone else,

AUTHOR

David Livermore

6 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

If the official reason was because of a customer complaint, then that's what you should go with. If they mentioned the other part, you can include that, but if they didn't, you shouldn't include it.

Regarding the customer complaint - typically a customer's request is priority in almost every business. State you were terminated for that, but in interviews, you can state you learned that customers are the priority and in any future positions you will make them a priority.

TJ

6 months ago

Hi,

I got laid off because one of the customer 's complain that i have delayed responding there email, and the request(i.e. my secondary task) was pending(for 2 days) due to the other priority task i was assigned too.Also I was aware that our team hired FTE's for my same level of position and team was restructuring for FTE positions ,they were replacing contractors with FTE positions with citizenship and GC holders only.

What should be my answer.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

6 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You don't state that in an interview. You state the reason why you were fired, the official reason given to you.

If you say it was hearsay and someone had more power over you, you'll never get another job.

mamgrebllug

6 months ago

What if you were fired over unproven heresay because the other person had more "power" over you?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

6 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

This is all too specific which employers don't want to hear. You would want to state that you were terminated due to a policy situation. You can then state in the future you would ensure to adhere to policy and seek clarification from your supervisors if you are unsure as to a policy.

You also hold a lot of animosity towards your previous supervisors, and I get that. But even expressing a hint of that in any future job interviews will cost you a job. Don't state things like, "I was fired for breaking policy, even though my supervisors did too." Even if you are right, you will almost certainly lose out on any job.

Instead of focusing on the firing, focus on how you'll improve in the future and how to prevent the issue from happening again.

Michael

6 months ago

I was fired from Sam’s club for a policy violation. I worked there for 4 years, 3 1/2 years management broke policy on the daily, threatened to coach or terminate us if we didn’t meet certain criteria, some were out of my hands as I had to wait on other qualified people in order to complete my job. Many complaints in the proper order were taken with zero results. The last half a year a restructure took place. I will post my open door with assets/ethics and Home office to give you a better understanding excluding last names.

To, Booker

Here are details per our conversation:

Ongoing bad practices from 2014 to current day, breaking policies, threatened to break policy, picking and choosing when to enforce, not enforcing and how to enforce policy related offenses as they see fit per individual, including to and from managers associates and leads with no consistency.

1. Acting GM Vincent - walking on top of pallets with other associates in (2014).

2. GM Joe - most days policy was broke due to fear, retaliation, pressure, threats coming from higher chains in the store. It was get a coaching or termination if you didn’t do as told, you would explain it breaks policy and the response was always “I DONT CARE if you value your job this HAS to be done”. Numerous calls were made to David (corporate fresh manager) home office and ethics. (Most of 2017)

3. Mandatory overtime when jimmy went on vacation in (July 2017) -against policy-

5. Schedule changes throughout the entire store after posted on the wire without any knowledge/consent or red ink my entire 4 years: Through all of 2017 - 2/2/2018 - 4/8/2018 posted and changed on 4/12/2018 on this specific date it was brought up to Reese and he replied, “talk to Sonja”. April 2018 my schedule changed every few days. Sadly there are many more schedule conflicts I don’t have close date for. -against policy-

6. A COS (Carrie) assaulted another associate in the front end of the store and only got put on overnights. That’s a hostile environment and cause for immediate termination. (End of April) -ethics and policy violations-

7. In 2017 I was told I couldn’t miss a day or get 1 coaching till mid may in 2018 or I would be terminated with consideration being taken in account if my absent record showed improvement. The day I was about to be terminated that magically changed allowing me 1 more coaching before a immediate termination.

8. Nobody seems to know policy on cutting over the counter, we have all asked and pursued a answer. We still cut/process C.O.V vacuum packed cryovacs at no cost every single day multiple times per day putting the vacuum packed C.O.V label back onto the processed cut tray with no limit on how many cryovac each person can have cut. I see a lot of lost money but I can only speculate without investigating with loss and prevention.

9. The day of my offense went as follows. Short handed store wide on a busy day, everything going well. We need grinds to keep up with demand. We make NUMEROUS calls for a forklift driver from 9am till after 1pm. Only 2 forklift certified on the job is 1 floor associate and 1 manager (Omar). After being without grinds we fell into the occurring bad habits drove from fear and retaliation from the higher ups in the past and present day. A fellow older meat cutter decided he couldn’t wait any longer, after 2 attempts of improper procedure in the meat freezer steel that I warned and asked him not to do, ( because the store is making a slow turn for the better on some issues) I felt like I needed to help because he was going to regardless. I helped everybody with anything that’s my nature but admit It’s my own fault and I agree that trying to be nice because I’m more fit was still wrong. If I broke policy I broke policy. The problem is years of bad leadership, lies, no answers ect. (You see where I’m going)

10. My position is not open for new hires because meat was overstaffed from when Shelton from laburnum transferred. “We needed to cut someone anyway, now the time will be right” is what was supposedly said. A sort of possible premeditation one must ask themself.

11. The day of my termination I was only told “Policy had been changed, it’s out of my hands. I have to terminate you” if I am going to receive a bad mark for my next job I would like to have been told exactly what policy I broke at the time. I had to call Reese the next day who hasn’t read the report so assumed. I finally received a “ I broke the 4 foot rule in a steel bin” from booker himself. Thank you for that as well. -In conclusion- managers are no exception to policy, integrity only works if we all stand by it. Picking and choosing when/who/what and where a policy is ok to break is bad practice as well as threats,retaliation and a fearful work place is just not healthy. I respect the decision Omar made with my termination, I am not appealing that. It’s the ETHICS used to achieve results. Others would like to verify my accusations but I fear they will back down for fear of retaliation.

Thank you for your time, Michael *****

Sorry so lengthy but In this situation how is it best I explain it as brief and truthfully as possible? This is my first firing/safety violation in around 30 years of employment.

Thank you for your time

AUTHOR

David Livermore

6 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Own up to it. State you had one incident of being tardy, one incident of calling off work, and one incident of being sent home due to being ill. State "one" each time, as it shows each one is a singular incident. Then state you were terminated due to a misunderstanding, and explain you had thought you could listen to music while in the back, but it appeared you were reading something.

State you learned from those experiences and will make it to work on time, won't miss work as much as possible, and will not do something as listening to music on an ipod or looking at your phone while working even if it's authorized.

Keep in mind if you pass probation, become more trusted, etc., you may be able to relax. But until then, you need to stick to that.

Cherish

6 months ago

I was fired from Wal-Mart. I was young and irresponsible. You get 2 coachings, then what they call a D-Day before you're fired. I had the two coachings, one for being tardy and the other for calling off. After that though I was working on doing better I was coming into work on time and not calling off so much. One night I went into work at 9pm with an awful stomach ache, I made it until 4am before I vomited all over the floor on my way to the bathroom. My manager sent me home. When I came back they gave me my D-day for it. I was not happy about it, but what could I do? A few months later I was back in electronics covering someone for their lunch break, I was listening to my ipod, and flipping through songs. We were allowed to have them in the back, just not up at the registers where I normally worked. At the end of the night my manager had me come back and told me they were letting me go because another manager had seen me reading a magazine while I was covering the break. When I tried to say that I wasn't reading a magazine she rudely cut me off and changed her story saying she was with the other manager and that I was reading something. So I know that when telling someone in an interview or on a job application that you are not suppose to make it seem like you're blaming the previous company. Its just I've had a hard time of putting this across in a way that doesn't sound like I'm doing that, or like I'm being TOO vague or lying. Do you have any advice?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

6 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Here's the issue - it sounds like you are blaming your last workplace. I understand that the mold may have caused an issue, but still blaming them makes you look bad, even if you are in the right.

I would simply state, "I was terminated due to a medical condition, which has since been resolved." In most places, they can't inquire as to the medical condition. However, if you state it was at the workplace, then they may ask more questions.

Mos99

6 months ago

Hi, David. I was an at will employee, working in a mold contaminated office building. I got sick, ended up in hospital, and was fired days after being released. It was a wrongful termination and the employer had long been lying about mold but I do NOT use these words in the job hunt. I have been advised to say something along the lines of “the building had mold and I could not work in the environment." The problem? Untrained recruiters probe deeper, asking inappropriate, gossipy questions. I do not take the negative bait but do try to redirect the interview back to job-relevant questions. Do you think my basic explanation is suitable? How do I get around these first line interviewers? I rarely have this problem with true hiring managers but I need to get past the untrained screeners, first.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

7 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

That's exactly it, "I had health problems that have since been resolved". You aren't required to go into detail, so don't feel you have to. Just state you had some medical issues, and you have since resolved those issues.

king0gre

7 months ago

I was recently let go, last year I was diagnosed with diabetes and the medications really messed with my GI Tract. While I did get FMLA for seeing the doctor I didn't get it for all my prior sick time used unfortunately.

In AZ we recently got an additional 40 hours of protected sick time that saved my bacon last year, however this year I went through it quickly by getting sick a few times, the flu, migraine, and getting food poisoning while at work.

This put me past the 40 hours of protected times and when I got the food poisoning and couldn't make it in on time that day till my stomach settled I was then past the allowed time for tardies in our rotating times.

So how the heck do I explain that one easily? medical problems that are resolved?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

7 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

If it was me, I would be honest about it. Even if they don't find out now, what about word of mouth? They could find out that way, asked why you didn't disclose it, and then terminate you.

Typically though, if it's asked on an application, I recommend being forthcoming about it.

likelao

7 months ago

I was recently dismissed for a cause on March 19th 2018 from a bank due to dishonesty. What would happened was i was under investigation with my colleague and the investigator officer does not want us to communicate, but we did and i lied at the first place but i admitted later on, they say it was too late and I was dismissed for that cause. I was totally understand that i have break my previous employer's code of conduct.

Fortunately, i got an offer at front now from other bank indicates that they will hire me as long as i pass my background check recently. I know there must be some thing in background check they will ask if you have been dismissed for a cause before, i just want to know what should i answer this question. I think i will answer as "yes" even my previous employer's HR saying that they will only disclose my position, my start day my end date my duties and my salary, but what should i explain there? some people ask me to say no since they background check people could not find the reason why i left. i hope you can answer those for me. thanks

AUTHOR

David Livermore

7 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

One month is a very short time to evaluate if someone is good in a position or not, so I am hopeful the prospective employer will understand.

On the application you can state you were terminated due to your slow speed in typing, however, you have improved since then (you may want to provide a copy of a typing certificate which proves that).

Nick Gariety

7 months ago

Hello,

I am applying for a medical assistant position that offers on site training (no certification required). I previously worked as a medical scribe for a month but did not pass the training, and was let go from the company. Although let go, I did learn a lot about medical terminology and the healthcare setting, which is why I included it in my resume as I thought it might help set me apart. In hindsight, it obviously seems like it might have been a misstep as the company hiring for the medical assistant position has sent me an application after screening me and my resume, and the application has a section asking if I was ever asked to resign, or discharged from a position, and to explain if so. I obviously don't think lying about being let go is the way to approach this, especially considering they may inquire about my medical scribe position from my resume, should I get an interview, and I will have to explain why I am not currently working as a scribe anymore. How should I go about addressing this on the application. I was let go from the scribe position simply because I couldn't meet the standards necessary during my training for the company to see me as a good employee (slow typist, but have significantly improved since). However, I was technically hired in the scribe company's system, and was paid for training.

P.S. this is a bit of a time sensitive issue considering I just received the application today and they expect it within the next few days. Thank you in advance!

AUTHOR

David Livermore

7 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

That's a tough one, mostly because you didn't assist your HR department with an investigation. If any future employer's get wind of this, then it will be hard to find another job.

However, you can state you were terminated due to a HR issue. In any interviews, you can state you didn't assist the HR department with an investigation with an other employee. Only state why if they ask you why.

However, you need to decide if you'll do that again. If you admit you were wrong and will comply with HR, then you can state that. If you don't think you were wrong, well, I don't know what to tell you.

Typical HR staff are trained to see what is true and not. They can't be 100% correct all of the time, but that's not for you to judge, especially if you need a job.

MR

7 months ago

Hi,

I was terminated from my position for refusing to assist the HR dept with an internal investigation on a coworker. I didn't want to be responsible fo the termination of someone I felt was innocent. They ended up terminating due to "dishonesty". How can I word this?

Thank you

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Well on applications you state that - you were terminated due to not meeting company standards due to not adhering to a new policy change.

In interviews, you can go into more detail, but don't state anything about false accusations. Instead, state you will ensure you are aware of any changed procedures when approaching your job duties. This is especially important in government work.

Jmonteon

8 months ago

I want to apply for a goverment job, however i recently got terminated from my formal job for inability to meet company standards. What happen was i did a mistake by not referring to the new policy change. I asked as usial my employees pin numbers to help me know where they are in their sales. Hr interviewed some of my employees as they stated false accusations about my charactor saying i was alturing their goal. Which was no true. Unable to prove i wasn’t, the template sheet was not calculating the goals properly so i had to manually create them, thats what cost my job. Any ways even do i had no previous warning HR took their word over mine. I spend 9 yrs with this company and im at total lost. I dont know to explain this and get a job... it just sounds so negative and my character.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

I do see where your workplace was coming from. Yes, you did the right thing by doing something with the files, but placing them on to a flash drive makes them mobile. What if you didn't come in the next day? What if someone else grabbed it before you?

My workplace has a similar policy, and while I didn't understand it at first, I do now.

On an application you can state you were terminated due to a policy violation. In an interview, you can briefly explain what happened and what you know to do in the future, which is not to transport sensitive company files on a flash drive.

Nan B

8 months ago

I was recently terminated and not sure how to explain on applications & interviews can you make a suggestion? It is documented as follows; “you broke a reasonable employer rule.” Termination – Gross violation of Company (BFS) policy. Company handbook section 4.3G, “Unauthorized or careless use of the Company’s material, equipment or property”. I found a folder that I created was accidentally put on the internal server that contained sensitive company info. I moved it to a jump drive until i could "clean" it up and return it the next morning. UNAUTHORIZED – Part of my job for the 2 ½ years of employment was creating, monitoring and updating files and folders on the internal co server on a daily basis and I have had no previous reprimands or violations. CARELESS -I moved the folder from the server to a flash drive to secure and safeguard the personal employee information, vendor materials & pricing and the outsource costs and purchase patterns of the company. This was only a temporary move because of the time restraint I was not able to remove the files before I had to leave the office. I absolutely did not in any way do this to harm the Company, owner or anyone. In fact my intentions were quite the opposite. Had I left the files in the folder on the server until I came in the next morning, as the employees begin coming in to the office and starting their day they would have to log into the server. The length of time between when they start coming in and I came in is approximately 2 hours and the office is closed. Because the office is not open, generally people will work on price quotes, verifying the status of the existing jobs and making sure that they have all of the materials needed to complete that job. All of these tasks would require them to either open that folder or if the folder is not available each employee was given a binder for their department that contains the needed information and the job report is printed out by each employee at the end of their shift the night before. The employees could complete their jobs without the folder on the server and there would be no impact but if I had left that folder as it was on the server and they opened the folder to access the files they needed the potential for damage to the company and the knowledge that employee would gain would be irreversible.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

It's there, it was just flagged as spam. It should show now.

Tracy Murrell

8 months ago

I posted a comment / question last night and it was on here, but now I don't see it, did I do something wrong?

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Well, that can be a reason why someone is fired. Though I never heard it that way before.

You can state that you and your supervisor had difficulties getting along, which you analyzed and will improve on any future interactions with any superiors.

Tracy Murrell

8 months ago

I was fired on 1-31-18 while still on probation. I failed to meet the 8 points dependability policy expectations. One of the company benefits is paid sick leave as indicated on our paycheck stubs. However, if we use this benefit, we are punished because they assigned me the points even though I went to the doctor and had a doctor note. Different types of occurences get assigned a different number of points. Also, when I first accepted the job and moved to the new city I was working in, I had to take an Uber to work one morning and I thought I could trust they would know how to get to the airport, but he took the wrong freeway exit and caused me to be seven minutes late and I received points for that. So one lesson I learned was never rely on anyone else to get me to work. Then I received more points for a miscommunication from another department where they failed to notify me of a change in the report time they needed me to come to work. (I was on call 24/7). Another time the scheduling department failed to put my work assignment on my schedule, but they called me while I was asleep and I heard the report time was 1530, then they called me back at 1330 and wanted to know why I hadn't checked in yet, so I had misunderstood them in a deep sleep. I don't know how much detail I should go into on a job application or interview, but I feel like I should explain how I reached the 8 points which is all that is allowed before being terminated. I am 54 years old and have never been fired, so I am afraid since the reason was for attendance, no matter what industry, I may never be able to find an employer willing to hire me. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for any advice you may have.

MC

8 months ago

I was told I wasn't giving my superior the respect he deserved. I of course disagree with this, and I don't think that is something I can put on a job application if I want any chance for an interview..

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

No matter if you were in the right, it will be a you versus them situation.

They must have given a reason you were fired. Sure, that may be the reason, but there has to be a reason they gave you. What was it?

MC

8 months ago

I was fired for rejecting my employer's sexual advances. I know there are issues with legality here, but I am just wondering what I should say when asked about my previous employer and why I was terminated.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

I agree with your friend - state you were laid off. A lay off is easier explained than being fired.

You really don't want to go into all of those details you just told me. Even if you are right, it still won't look good for you. You can state there was a reorganization done and you were laid off as a result, simple as that.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

I'm sorry to hear that. On any applications you can state there was an incident with a child that caused your termination. In any interviews, you can explain the incident. You admit to the mistake, but didn't anticipate that would happen. In the future you will be more cognizant of how a child may react to a situation to ensure it doesn't happen again.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Then what's what you say. You were told you weren't a good fit for the position, but weren't given details, even though you asked (if you did ask).

In the future you can state you will solicit feedback more on your performance to ensure you and your supervisor are on the same wavelength.

Karyn

8 months ago

Hi David.

I was fired, but collected unemployment.

I have been in the same business for over 2 decades and never had any issues before. It felt like quite quickly the management had it out for me, changing roles, responsibilities and priorities at will.

The work that I and my team did was amazing, getting accolades from peers, however things that would normally seem insignificant to a reasonable person, were exaggerated many times

Boss spent a great deal of time twisting my words, and blowing up situations enough to creatively fabricate written warnings and a lot of documentation, created making it seem like indeed I was awful at my job.

The company had a huge layoff of several hundred people, at the same time I was let go, and my position has not been filled yet.

I believe that while the boss was in process of harassing me to get me to quit, and they used this layoff as an opportunity to get rid of one more person- me - and reorganize the division.

I have been advised by a recruiter friend of mine to simply state that I was laid off.

I am curious to know your thoughts!

Thank you

MT

8 months ago

Thanks for the advice. But they never told me why I wasn’t a fit for the position, that’s all they told me. I’m not sure what else I could have done because I never knew how my manager felt. I’m not sure how I can say how I’ll be able to approach situations like that in the future

Sweetpooh29

8 months ago

I will be terminated effective tomorrow. I work in a daycare and long story short I (thought I was helping a behavioral child) by showing her a bug that the class had captured a few weeks before. While showing the bug ( for the child to get a better look I opened the container) it jumped out and landed on the child (although I took immediate action to rescue the child) So Im being accused of frienghtening a child (emotional abuse). So now Im scared for when I began to look for another job in childcare how do I go about it or putting it on an application.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You just explained it really. There was a shift in management and the newest supervisor felt you were not a good fit for the position. Explain why, what you learned from it, and how you will approach situations like that in the future.

MT

8 months ago

In my 5th month at a company, I was on my 3rd manager because things kept getting shifted in terms of managers & work load. I did not see eye to eye with my last manager. We were working in two different locations so there was never a in person meeting. I would ask questions on projects & one time she told me I asked too many repetitive questions. I was terminated because she said I wasn’t s fit for the position. How can I rely to hiring managers I was fired due to not being s good fit and explain what I learned? Thank you so much!

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

You can simply state you and your supervisor did not see eye to eye, so you were let go. You don't specifically know what it was, but you were thankful for the learning experience and intend to put that experience towards any future position you may have.

Liz

8 months ago

I was working as a vet tech at an animal hospital. A friend who had started there previously helped me get the job. I interviewed and was hired by the practice manager. I worked hard and learned fast from day 1. I enjoyed my job and all of my co-workers, who I am still good friends with, loved working with me. The owner however, was verbally abusive toward several of us and obviously had personal disdain for us. We still do not know why. In a review by my direct supervisor, the tech manager, she said "I don't know what to tell you. I think you're doing a great job. You just have to make her like you." Not long after that I was fired by the practice manager who hired me. She herself was fired not long after that. The reason that she gave me was, "You haven't done any specific thing wrong, she just doesn't like you as a person for some reason." Like I said, this was not just me, it happened to several people while I was there and several more after I left. I've never known how to approach explaining this. I don't want to own up to wrongs that I never committed, and I know you should never bad mouth a previous employer. I also don't want to be dishonest about being let go. I've been advised to say things like, "There was a difference of opinion" or "Our personalities did not mix." But these sound awful and aren't true at all. I tried very hard to work with her, every day that I was there.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

I had a job just like that I was fired from. I realized after awhile I couldn't do sales and got out of that line of work altogether. Have you ever considered that?

If not, it would be hard to explain. You were terminated due to not following a policy, which you can state. When they want details, you can provide that exact reason why, however, it would hurt your chances of finding a new job in sales.

You could state that particular lines of sales didn't fit for you exactly, but you know the one you are interviewing for will fit the kinds of sales you want.

jthom89

8 months ago

Hi David, I was recently fired due to a new policy to upsell product to every customer, every time. I did my best for several months but I got to a point where I was selling expensive products to people I know for a fact could not afford it, plus the more expensive product added no more value to their situation than a less expensive product. I harbor no ill will to my now past employer but am at a loss as to what to say on an application or interview, especially since I will be getting back into sales. I don't want to be seen as a potential problem employee or someone who wouldn't take the job seriously. Thank you so much!

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

If you resign from a position, you don't have to go into detail why. You can state you felt the employment ran it's course, and you decided to go into business for yourself and continue your education. Now that you have, you are looking to reenter the workforce with your current experience in government, running your own business, and your continued education.

Sure, they may contact the agency to find out about you, but they shouldn't reveal information about a proposed disciplinary action since nothing final was done with it due to you resigning.

AUTHOR

David Livermore

8 months agofrom Bakersfield, California, United States

Stated you were terminated due to attendance issues, which you have accepted and corrected the improper behavior.

In an interview, state you did have an attendance issue, but have accepted the problem and corrected the issue. That you felt remorse for the burden put on your supervisor and coworkers, realized the impact it had, and you are determined never to let it happen again.

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